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YAC Frequently Asked Questions

How do I join YAC UK?

YYF TT P2006 The Young Archaeologists’ Club (YAC) is the only UK-wide club for young people aged up to 17. The club is run by Council for British Archaeology (CBA), an educational charity working for over 65 years to promote ‘Archaeology for All’. YAC’s vision is for all young people to have opportunities to be inspired and excited by archaeology, and to empower them to help shape its future. There are two parts to the Young Archaeologists’ Club (YAC).

  • YAC UK is a magazine based subscription package aimed at children under the age of 17 who are interested in archaeology.
  • The YAC Branches are a network of local branches where children can get involved in hands-on activities on a regular basis.

Why join YAC UK?

Here is what some of our current and previous members/parents have said about YAC UK and the Young Archaeologist magazine.

  • ‘It’s absolutely brilliant’
  • ‘My son has really enjoyed the magazine and particularly the dig he participated in at Stratford this year’
  • ‘Thank you for all the issues of the magazine over the last few years, every single one has been fascinating and beautifully produced’
  • ‘My son was given membership for Christmas and is thrilled with it!’
  • ‘Thanks for a lot of fun over the years’
  • ‘My son has thoroughly enjoyed being a member or the YAC and has got a tremendous amount out of it’
  • ‘My daughter has bundles of enthusiasm about archaeology and YAC which has been one of the best investments ever! Thank you for such a great magazine, it really fuels her interest and imagination’

Young Archaeologist issue 148 Certificate

There are a number of different ways to apply for YAC UK membership:

Online

You can pay via the Council for British Archaeology’s secure online shop using a Credit or Debit Card. Please choose the relevant membership category and then select which country you live in.

By post

You can also use the YAC UK application form to renew a YAC UK membership by cheque or by Direct Debit.

Once you have completed all the relevant fields please return the YAC UK application form to the YAC office. Our postal address is written on the bottom of the application form and can also be found on the contact us page.

Over the telephone

We will need to take all the details on the card and the billing address for the card. Please have your Credit or Debit Card ready and then telephone +44 (0)1904 671417. We do not accept American Express. We cannot set up Direct Debit payments over the telephone.

Please note: Do not send cash through the post as a form of payment for YAC UK membership.

Find out more:

GiftAid

Council for British Archaeology

BA Magazine You may also like to join our parent organisation the Council for British Archaeology (CBA). The CBA has a wide range of membership options including:

Find out more:

Support the CBA and become a member today!

External Internet Safety Links

External websites are out of the control of The Young Archaeologists’ Club. Whilst we have carried out an initial check that the content of the website is suitable for The Young Archaeologists’ Club age range, The Young Archaeologists’ Club is not responsible for the content of these external sites. If you feel that the link is unsuitable, please do let us know.

CEOP’s Thinkuknow website also provides films and games to play on how to stay safer online. Childnet has produced a range of online safety resources including Chatdanger.com and Know IT All

What do YAC UK members get?

The Young Archaeologists’ Club (YAC) is the only UK-wide club for young people aged up to 17 interested in archaeology. The club is run by Council for British Archaeology (CBA), an educational charity working for over 65 years to promote ‘Archaeology for All’. YAC’s vision is for all young people to have opportunities to be inspired and excited by archaeology, and to empower them to help shape its future.

The Young Archaeologists’ Club was started nearly 40 years ago in August 1972 by Dr Kate Pretty. Its name back then was Young Rescue and it was the junior branch of RESCUE, the British Archaeological Trust. Initially it was just going to be based in Cambridge but after publicity in The Times it was launched as a national club.

YA Magazine YAC UK Membership card YAC UK Certificate Child Jorvik There are two parts to the Young Archaeologists’ Club (YAC):

YAC UK

YAC UK is a magazine based subscription package aimed at children under the age of 17 who are interested in archaeology and all things historic. All YAC UK members receive their own:

  • YAC UK Welcome letter signed by YAC President, Tony Robinson from Time Team
  • YAC UK Membership card*
  • YAC Pin badge*
  • YAC Certificate*
  • YAC Pass booklet*

*Adult, School and Institutional YAC Members do not receive these products. To find out more about these types of membership and what you do receive please visit the membership categories page.

YAC UK members are the first to hear about UK wide events including:

YAC UK Membership Categories

There are different YAC UK membership categories for:

You can also join YAC UK if you live abroad, find out more about Overseas YAC UK membership.

YAC UK Membership Prices and Methods of Payment

Individual YAC UK Membership prices start from as little as £15 a year!

Prices increases usually occur at the end of March each year, this is due to increases in postage costs and are determined by Royal Mail.

YAC Branches

YAC Branches offer hands-on activities for young people aged 8 up to the age of 17. There are approximately 70 YAC Branches across the UK. Most meet once a month, usually on a Saturday, and they are a great way to learn more about archaeology in your area and make new friends.

To find out more about what Branches do, how you can get involved and volunteering opportunities visit the YAC Branch page.

Please note: If you join YAC UK, YAC cannot guarantee that you will gain an automatic place at a local YAC Branch.

External Internet Safety Links

External websites are out of the control of The Young Archaeologists’ Club. Whilst we have carried out an initial check that the content of the website is suitable for The Young Archaeologists’ Club age range, The Young Archaeologists’ Club is not responsible for the content of these external sites. If you feel that the link is unsuitable, please do let us know.

CEOP’s Thinkuknow website provides films and games to play on how to stay safer online and Childnet has produced a range of online safety resources including Chatdanger.com and Know IT All.

For more information please visit YAC’s Safe Surfing page.

How much does it cost to join YAC UK?

New membership prices and renewal of membership costs are the same. Price increases usually occur at the end of March each year, this is due to an increase in postage prices.

Individual child

  • UK = £15
  • Europe = £26
  • Rest of the world = £32

Children in the Family

  • UK = £21
  • Europe = £39
  • Rest of the world = £56

Interested Adult

  • UK = £15
  • Europe = £26
  • Rest of the world = £32

CBA/YAC Family

  • UK = £55
  • Europe = £75
  • Rest of the world = £90

School

  • UK = £24
  • Europe = £42
  • Rest of the world = £59

Institution

  • UK = £24
  • Europe = £42
  • Rest of the world = £59

Why not Join YAC UK or renew a YAC UK membership on the CBA’s online shop

Find out more:

How old do I have to be to be a member of YAC UK?

YAC UK is aimed at young people up to the age of 17, who are interested in archaeology and all things historic! As well as providing YAC UK membership for just one individual child, we also provide YAC UK membership for:

Find out more about our different membership categories and the brilliant benefits of YAC UK membership.

If you would like to become of member of YAC UK why not check out our wide range of methods of payment and the information on YAC UK membership prices.

What is the YAC Pass and where can I use it?

YAC Pass 2012

What is the YAC Pass?

The YAC Pass is the Young Archaeologists’ Club passport to the past. It is a booklet packed full of offers at sites and organisations across the UK, which are especially designed for YAC UK members.

There are loads of reasons to join YAC UK and the brilliant YAC Pass booklet is just one of them.

This year YAC UK has joined up with almost 180 independent sites, so wherever you live across the United Kingdom there will be an site for you to visit or an organisational offer for you to access.

How to use the YAC Pass

The YAC Pass booklet can be used with a valid YAC UK membership card to get you into lots of local sites for a discounted price or in most cases, for free. Find out more about how to use the YAC Pass.

Find a participating YAC Pass site near you on the YAC Pass site map and find out what offer they have this year.

Outdoor World Direct City Sight Seeing Archtools English Heritage National Geographic Kids

YAC UK members can use their YAC Pass booklet to access:

Free entry at:

Half-price entry at the 13 Manx National Heritage sites on the Isle of Man

Discounts on archaeological experiences/equipment:

Offers on organisational memberships/subscriptions:

Discounts on books/travel guides:

Bamburgh Castle Child at the Coppergate exhibition, Jorvik Viking Centre Butser Roundhouse

YAC UK Members can visit some amazing independent museums including:

Why not join YAC UK today, Individual YAC UK membership is just £15 a year!

I live abroad; can I still join YAC UK?

Yes, you can join YAC UK!. We currently have YAC UK members from all over the world, including Australia, Singapore, Germany, Switzerland, France, Cyprus, Malta, the United Arab Emirates, the USA, Canada and Hong Kong.

The easiest way for you to join YAC is through our online shop. This means you don’t have to pay postage to send your application to YAC UK. The prices for overseas YAC UK members are listed below.

New membership prices and renewal of membership costs are the same. Price increases usually occur at the end of March each year, this is due to an increase in postage prices.

Individual child

  • UK = £15
  • Europe = £26
  • Rest of the world = £32

Children in the Family

  • UK = £21
  • Europe = £39
  • Rest of the world = £56

Interested Adult

  • UK = £15
  • Europe = £26
  • Rest of the world = £32

CBA/YAC Family

  • UK = £55
  • Europe = £75
  • Rest of the world = £90

School

  • UK = £24
  • Europe = £42
  • Rest of the world = £59

Institution

  • UK = £24
  • Europe = £42
  • Rest of the world = £59

Why not Join YAC UK or renew a YAC UK membership on the CBA’s online shop

Find out more:

What is the difference between YAC UK and YAC Branches?

The Young Archaeologists’ Club (YAC) is the only UK-wide club for young people aged up to 17 interested in archaeology. The club is run by Council for British Archaeology (CBA), an educational charity working for over 65 years to promote ‘Archaeology for All’. YAC’s vision is for all young people to have opportunities to be inspired and excited by archaeology, and to empower them to help shape its future.

The Young Archaeologists’ Club was started nearly 40 years ago in August 1972 by Dr Kate Pretty. Its name back then was Young Rescue and it was the junior branch of RESCUE, the British Archaeological Trust. Initially it was just going to be based in Cambridge but after publicity in The Times it was launched as a national club.

YA Magazine YAC UK Membership card YAC UK Certificate Child Jorvik There are two parts to the Young Archaeologists’ Club (YAC):

YAC UK

YAC UK is a magazine based subscription package aimed at children under the age of 17 who are interested in archaeology and all things historic. All YAC UK members receive their own:

  • YAC UK Welcome letter signed by YAC President, Tony Robinson from Time Team
  • YAC UK Membership card*
  • YAC Pin badge*
  • YAC Certificate*
  • YAC Pass booklet*

*Adult, School and Institutional YAC Members do not receive these products. To find out more about these types of membership and what you do receive please visit the membership categories page.

YAC UK members are the first to hear about UK wide events including:

YAC UK Membership Categories

There are different YAC UK membership categories for:

You can also join YAC UK if you live abroad, find out more about Overseas YAC UK membership.

YAC UK Membership Prices and Methods of Payment

Individual YAC UK Membership prices start from as little as £15 a year!

Membership prices displayed online are valid until 20 March 2012. Prices increases usually occur at the end of March each year, this is due to increases in postage costs and are determined by Royal Mail.

From 20 March 2012 CBA membership prices are changing. This will affect all CBA/YAC Family membership prices. You can find out more on the CBA website.

YAC Branches

YAC Branches offer hands-on activities for young people aged 8 up to the age of 17. There are approximately 70 YAC Branches across the UK. Most meet once a month, usually on a Saturday, and they are a great way to learn more about archaeology in your area and make new friends.

To find out more about what Branches do, how you can get involved and volunteering opportunities visit the YAC Branch page.

Please note: If you join YAC UK, YAC cannot guarantee that you will gain an automatic place at a local YAC Branch.

External Internet Safety Links

External websites are out of the control of The Young Archaeologists’ Club. Whilst we have carried out an initial check that the content of the website is suitable for The Young Archaeologists’ Club age range, The Young Archaeologists’ Club is not responsible for the content of these external sites. If you feel that the link is unsuitable, please do let us know.

CEOP’s Thinkuknow website provides films and games to play on how to stay safer online and Childnet has produced a range of online safety resources including Chatdanger.com and Know IT All.

For more information please visit YAC’s Safe Surfing page.

Will I definitely get a place at a YAC Branch if I am a YAC UK member?

If you join YAC UK and become a YAC UK member you WILL NOT be granted an automatic place at a local YAC Branch. Unfortunately there is not a YAC Branch in every UK major town and city so please take a look at the YAC Branch map to see if there is a YAC Branch near to you.

YAC Branches

There are approximately 70 YAC Branches all over the UK. Most meet about once a month, on a Saturday, and they are a great way to learn more about archaeology in your area. YAC Branches are run by teams of volunteers and there is a strict limit on how many members can attend a YAC Branch.

If you would like to join a local YAC Branch and attend a meeting then please take a look at our YAC Branch list. This page will give you contact details for the YAC Branch Leader.

The YAC Branch Leader will be able to tell you if there are any spaces available at the YAC Branch and give you details about what they get up to. To find out more information about YAC Branch charges, see our FAQ.

To find out more about how YAC Branches are run please see our other FAQ.

If you are aged 17 or older and would be interested in volunteering at a YAC Branch, please contact Wendi Terry, our Network and Events Officer and select ‘Volunteering with YAC’ in the Category drop down list.

You may also like to see our other FAQs about the Young Archaeologists’ Club.
Where is my nearest YAC Branch?

There are around 70 YAC Branches all over the UK. Most meet about once a month and are a great way to learn more about archaeology in your area. You can use our Branches Map to find a Branch near you.

How much does it cost to join a YAC Branch?

There is no set cost for joining a YAC Branch. Some Branches charge an annual membership fee. Other Branches ask you to pay for the sessions you attend. At some Branches there is no charge at all for normal sessions. To find out how much it costs at your local YAC Branch contact the Branch leader. You can find their contact details through our Branches Map.

How old do I have to be to go to a YAC Branch?

For most YAC Branches you have to be 8 years old or over to attend sessions. However, some YAC Branches state you have to be 9 or over to attend. You can find contact details for your nearest Branch on our Branches Map page, so that you can check whether they have spaces available and to find out how old you need to be.

What activities might I be able to do at a YAC Branch?

YAC Branches offer a huge range of different activities. One month you might be looking at how archaeologists excavate, the next you might be trying your hand at spinning and weaving, then you could move on to visiting an archaeological or heritage site – or you might even end up trying out food from different periods of time! Each Branch will organise a programme of events in advance that cover both activities local to you and activities using skills from across different time periods and from different cultures. Find out more about YAC Branches and to discover where your nearest local YAC Branch is on our Branches Map page.

Who runs YAC Branches?

YAC Branches are run by volunteers who generously give up their free time to run brilliant sessions for you! Some of them are professional archaeologists, some of them work in museums, and others are just interested in archaeology in their spare time.

Each YAC Branch has a Branch Leader who is in charge of the Branch and keeps YAC HQ up to date with what’s going on. There are Branch Assistants who help the Branch Leader to run sessions and there are Helpers who come along occasionally to help out. If you are interested in volunteering with YAC and to find out more details for each of the volunteer roles, you can learn more in our How do I volunteer to help at a YAC Branch? FAQ.

Parents and guardians might like to know that all YAC Branch Leaders and Assistants have gone through Criminal Records Checks, and have been vetted by our own YAC Approvals Panel. You can read more about of how YAC volunteers are vetted in our How do I know that my child will be safe at a YAC Branch meeting? FAQ.

How do I know that my child will be safe at a YAC Branch meeting?

YAC HQ asks all volunteers at YAC Branches to complete an application form, which tells us about them and their background.

Branch Leaders and Branch Assistants

Volunteers who wish to be Branch Leaders or Assistants have to complete an application form which asks for the details of two referees. These referees are contacted confidentially to find out about the individual’s suitability to work with young people. Branch Leaders and Assistants also undergo a Criminal Records check. When the volunteer has two valid references and a criminal records Disclosure certificate, their paper work is passed on to our Approvals Panel. It is the Approvals Panel’s job to ensure that the person meets our strict suitability criteria. If they think that they do, the volunteer will be ‘approved’ and notified in writing by YAC HQ. They are then free to work in that YAC Branch. Branch Leaders and Assistants also undergo training organised by YAC HQ which covers areas such as child protection and First Aid.

Helpers (in England, Northern Ireland and Wales)

People applying to become Helpers with a YAC Branch complete a Helper Registration Form but they do not provide references or complete a Criminal Records check. Due to this Helpers are only allowed to attend YAC sessions on an infrequent basis, must only work alongside Branch Leaders and Assistants and are never allowed to be in sole charge of young people. Helpers who wish to become more involved with the Branch must complete the approvals procedure outlined above before they can do so.

Every YAC session must be attended by at least one first aid trained volunteer, and YAC applies a 1:8 adult child ratio, meaning that for every eight children at a session there must be at least one approved volunteer. Every session is completely risk assessed. YAC HQ also provides each Branch with public liability and employer’s liability insurance as well as a Leaders’ Handbook that sets out good practice and standard procedures that the Branch must follow.

How do I volunteer to help at a YAC Branch?

YAC Branches rely on teams of volunteers to run them so we are always looking for new adults to get involved! Volunteers come from all walks of life and YAC HQ provides training events for YAC Leaders. There are three different levels that people can be involved at:

Branch Leader
Branch Leaders are responsible for the planning, organisation and safe running of the YAC Branch. They also manage the team of Branch volunteers, liaise with YAC HQ and ensure that the Branch complies with YAC’s health and safety and child protection policies. Branch Leaders must be over 18 years old and will need to complete an application form which asks for two referees. They will also undergo a criminal records check.
Branch Assistant
Branch Assistant aid the Branch Leader in the smooth running and management of the YAC Branch. They help to plan the programme of events and may lead sessions. They may be given a specific role to manage such as membership secretary or treasurer. Branch Assistants must be over 18 years old and will need to complete an application form which asks for two referees. They will also undergo a criminal records check.
Helper (in England, Northern Ireland and Wales only)
Helpers attend Branch meetings on an infrequent basis (no more than three times a year) and work alongside the Branch Leaders and Assistants during sessions. Helpers must be aged over 17 years old and will need to complete a Helper Registration Form. Helpers do not undergo a criminal records check as they never have unsupervised access to YAC members.

All applications at all levels are vetted by the YAC Approvals Panel.

If you would like to consider volunteering with a YAC Branch then you will need to contact the YAC Network and Events Officer stating which Branch you are interested in volunteering at and at which level. You will be invited by the Branch Leader to attend a session and then, if you decide to volunteer, the Branch Leader will give you the relevant form to fill in. If there is no YAC Branch near to you, you can find details regarding setting up a new YAC Branch in our Can I set up a new YAC Branch? FAQ.

Can I set up a new YAC Branch?

YAC Branches only exist in areas where there are teams of volunteers in place to run them! YAC HQ does open new Branches during the course of the year, with it taking a minimum of six months from a proposed new Branch submitting its formal paperwork to it holding its first meeting.

New Branches will need to:

  • have a minimum of three adult Leaders
  • have a suitable venue to meet in
  • have put together a proposed six month programme
  • undertake First Aid and child protection training
  • open a YAC bank account
  • go through our Approvals Process; for more details, see our How do I volunteer to help at a YAC Branch? FAQ.

Branches are expected to meet for at least ten sessions a year with a session lasting a minimum of two hours in length. It is estimated that running a Branch will take at least seventy, seven hour work days, per year. YAC HQ appreciates that this is a big commitment and we do ask new Branches to consider how they will be sustainable in the long term. To discuss further what is involved in setting up and running a new Branch please contact the YAC Network and Events Officer.